Hydraulic air-compressor.



No. 680,95l. Patented Mg. 20, I901. A. a. wmrEmmusE.

HYDRAULIC AIR COMPRESSOR.

(Application filed Jan. 31, 1901.)

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-8heet I.

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INVENTOR m: ncmms PETERS co, monauwuw wxsulucmu a. c.

No. 680,951. Patented Aug. 20, I90l.

A. 3., WATERHOUSE.

HYDRAULIC AIR COMPRESSOR.

(Application filed Jan. 81. 1901.)

3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(Nu Modal.)

WITNESSES %a fM -JM' INVENTOR m: Mgnms PETERS-O0, Pumaumou-wmmncmw, uc

No. 680,95l. Patnted Aug. 20, IQOL A. a. WATEBHWSE.

HYDRAULIC AIR COMPRESSOR.

(Application 1115a Jan. a1, 19o1. (No llodal 3 Sheets-Sheet a.

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nTTnn STnTns PATENT Trims.

ADDISON G. \VATERI'IOUSE, OF SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA;

HYDRAULIC AIR-COMPRESSOR.

SPECIFICATION fcrn'iingpart of Letters Patent No. 680,951, dated August 20, 1901. Application filed January 31, 1901. Serial No. 45,425. (No model.)

To ctZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ADDISON G. WATER- HOUSE, a citizen of the United States, residing in the township of Springfield, county of Delaware, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in lIydraulic Air-Compressors, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of hydraulic aircompressors wherein water is caused to descend within a confined passage and carry air with it to a depth sutlicient to compress the air to any required density, when the air is then separated from the water by means dependent upon the difference between the specific gravity of air and water, after which the compressed air is conducted from the water and employed for useful purposes, while the water is discharged under conditions which will maintain a constant pressure at the level where the separation of air and water occurred.

My invention embraces means by which two or more of this class of compressors can be used irrespective of diiferences in their size or capacity to work together in compressing air, so that it can be conducted and distributed through a common conductor or into a single receiver for use, and, further, embraces means by which air can be used in a dense form and be compressed from a lower to a higher pressure.

The further object of my invention is to secure diverse useful results, which will increase the efficiency and practical uses of this kind of air-compressor.

To more completely describe the nature and object of myinvention, reference will be had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of an apparatus embodying the elements of my invention. Fig. 2 shows several air-compressors'of different degrees of capacity arranged to work together in performing a single result. Fig. 3 shows a form of compressor operated by transient water and in which the air is retained under varying degrees of compression and used continually.

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus through which water passes by the force of gravitation and by which air is compressed by being carried down with the water to a level below that of its source of supply and place of discharge,- at which lower level the compressed air is separated from the water and conducted away for use. In this apparatus the water enters at pipe A at a pressure due to the assumed head or level represented by the dotted line K, at which level it is assumed to have drawn in its complement of air. It then passes down through the air-receiverB, where more air is forced into the descending water at a pressure sufficient to overcome the pres sure of the water and air at that level. From B the combined water and air descends the pipe 0 into the separator D, and on leaving the lower end of pipe 0 their course is turned by the annular riftie-wall D cylindrical ring D, and upturned rim D which causes the water to take the up-and-down course inclicated by arrows, which facilitates the liberation of air by causing it to rise and collect in the upper part of the collector D, from which it is conducted and distributed through the pipe 0 ata pressure dependent upon the depth at which the separator is placed or the height of the column of water under which the air descends. The water after leaving the air in D then passes up through a shaft or passage represented by the pipe R or until it rises to the highest practical level in the tank E, represented by the dotted line L, which rise is due to the level of its head or source of supply K.

The level L will vary to accord with changes in the initial level K, and it will also change as different volumes of air are drawn into and discharged from the apparatus and also from other causes; but whatever level the water assumes in the tank E it will be followed by a float F, which rises and falls with the water in E, so that it is selfadjusting and atall times in position to cause the water as it flows from tank E down the pipe G to carry with it the maximum volume or proportion of air. To accomplish this, the float F and the passages F for water and F for air can be made in various forms,.the main object being to keep these passages adjusted in their position as related to the surface of the water, which is performed by the float which rises and falls with the surface of the water. In this form the float F has a telescope-tube F, which conducts the water that passes through the float down the pipe G and compels all the water to pass that way, so as to cause it to draw in the air through the passages F and carry it down with the water into the second separator H, which is provided with rifiles H, H and H that impart to the water an up-anddown motion, as indicated by arrows, thereby aiding the air to rise and collect in the top of the separator H and then pass through the air-pipe N to the air-receiver B, which in this case is composed of an annular recess B, into which the air enters under a pressure sufficient to overcome the pressure of the water and cause the air to pass through the tubes B or apertures leading from the recess B into the water, so that this air is carried along by the descending water, as stated. After the water in the separator II has liberated its air it ascends the pipe Ror to the higher level represented by dotted line M, where it is discharged at J, which represents a tail-race.

The height of the column of water from the separator H to the tail-race J represents the pressure of the air which passes from the separator H to the air-receiver B, and the level at which B is placed in the pipe 0 should be such as to just suffice for causing the air from H to force its way into the water descending through B.

Fig. 2 shows three air-compressors l, 2, and 3. Each may be of dilferent capacity, both in the quantity of water used as well as the volume and pressure of the air acted upon.

Thewater enters each of their tanks E, E and E, which may be provided with floats, as described, or other means for drawing air into the water which passes down the pipes G, G, and G to the separators H,I-I, and H from each of which the water rises to a tailrace, which may be used as a head or penstock for a succeeding compressor, as shown, so that a fall extending from the dotted line K to the dotted line J may be divided into several steps or levels, as represented by the dotted lines K, L, M, and J, or each may be separate falls of different heights and volumes. In either case the air compressed by those producing the lesser pressure is conducted to those which produce a greater pressure, so that the air in each undergoes an increased pressure until it receives its final pressure in the compressor having the highest pressing capacity, from which it is carried off for use. This is accomplished by taking the air from the compressor 3 and conducting it to pipe G of compressor 2 at a level which will just enable the air from 3 to enter into the water of pipe G of compressor 2 against the pressure therein, which air, together with the air previously drawn in by compressor 2, will be carried farther down and still further compressed, and in the same way the air compressed by 2, together with that added to it by 3, is conducted to compressor 1, where it is subjected to its final pressure and conducted away for use; or in place of the air being successively conducted from one compressor to another all of those having a lesser pressure can be conducted to a final compressor having the greater pressure by conducting the air from the separate compressors to the pipe G of the final one at different levels,which will correspond to their separate capacities for entering the descending water against its pressure at each respective level.

It is obvious that as the water begins to descend in the compressing-pipe Gr it at first I can carry a certain volume of air which has a limit in relation to the volume and speed of the descending water. This proportion I call the complement of air. When this air is carried down, so that its volume is compressed to, say, one-half or one-tenth its original volume, then the water is only carrying one-half or one-tenth of the air it is capable of carrying down, and therefore it is only doing part of the work which it could perform. Therefore to introduce air into the descending water in volumes which would make up for the contraction of the air originally drawn in or previously introduced would only be employing energy which would otherwise go to waste and also furnish means for utilizing the forces of other and smaller water-powers as tributaries to greater ones located within any limit to which compressed air can be conducted; but it must be understood that in all cases where air is introduced in the stand-pipe it must be limited in volume, so as not to exceed that which the descending water with its air is capable of carrying down.

Fig. 3 shows a form of dense-air compressor worked by a water-power or by water descending from the head A to the tail-race J. In this form the water is shown to enter the tank or hopper E in a tangent direction,which causes the water in E to rotate or perform a cyclonic action, which draws air down its center E, which is carried with the water down the pipe G to the separatorD,from which the compressed air may be conducted by pipe N to a heater S and then to W by pipe N, where it is employed for doing work, and from W allowed to return under any degree of pressure either through pipes N N or N to their respective air-receivers B, B and B By this means dense air can be employed and be used over and over again, so that but a small amount of air need be taken in at E, or that amount necessary for making up for the loss by leakage or that liberated in the work performed at V.

The work \V may be of any kind which compressed air is capable of doing, such as making ice by producing cold as the effect of expansion or working an air-engine for producing power; but in this case it is assumed that the compressed air passing through pipe N to the work W under a high pressure (such as one hundred pounds per square inch) is conducted from W under a reduced pressure (such as seventy-five, fifty, or twentyfive pounds per sqaure inch) through pipes N N N or any one of them to their respective receivers B, 3 or B accordingas the pressure of this returning air enables it to enter the pipe G at a higher or lower level, when the same air is again compressed and used over again, it being understood that the volume of air returned to pipe G when united with the air being carried down must not exceed the full complement of air at the level at which the return air enters the pipe G. This proportion may be secured by arranging the several compressors according to their separate capacities for regulating the flow of the water or air through each of them.

By the foregoing means air from diiierent compressors of this kind under varying degress of compression may be used to contribute compressed air to a single receiver at the highest pressure which any one of the compressors is capable of producing, and a single compressor can be used to recompress dense air returned to it, and the efficiency of this form of apparatus will be very materially increased by the means stated by adding air to the descending water in a way which compensates for the contraction of the air carried down by it, so that the force of the descending water is more completely employed.

The great advantage of placing the separator below the level of the tail-race, as shown in all of the figures, is that an indefinitely greater degree of air-pressure can be secured from a water-power having a comparatively small fall of water; but in cases where this be not practicable, or when the fall of water is suflicient to in'lpart the desired pressure to the air carried down with it, then the descending water can be used at its tail-race for performing work, such as running a turbine or hydrostatic engine, and in the mean time maintain a back pressure to the water while it is in the separator which will compress the air to the required density. In all such cases this form of air-co n1 pressor will apply so long as a bacl: pressure is maintained in the water while it is passing through the collector. In Fig. 6 the compressor 4 shows that if the tail-race were at J and a turbine or water engine J were worked by the outflowing Water, so that a back pressure would be maintained in the separator D,then

all the features of my invention would apply as long as such back pressure were maintained, and the pressure in the separator and in all parts or levels of the descending water would correspond to the position which each part holds in its relation to the total height of the column.

lVhat I claim as my invention is- 1. Ina hydraulic air-compressing apparatus, a stand-pipe -or conductor leading from a level from which a supply of water can be secured, and extending to a lower level 5 having at its upper end a tank or receptacle for descending water, containing a float, adapted to rise and failwith the surface of the water in the tank and carry with it a system of passagesor apertures through which the descending water will pass and draw air with it; for the purposes set forth.

2. In a hydraulic air-compressor a receivin -tank provided with a stand-pipe or conductor located beneath and adapted for conducting a descending body of water from the receiving-tank; a movable float placed in the receiving-tank, provided with a telescoping tube, extending down into the stand-pipe; with water-passages leading through the submerged part of the float to the telescoping tube, and air-passages leading through the float from above its submerged part to the telescoping tube; substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

Ina hydraulic air-compressing apparatus having a stand-pipe or passage through which water descends and draws air with it; a tank surrounding the open end of the standpipe into which water enters on its way down the pipe; a movable float buoyed upon the surface of the water within the tank and supporting-tubes or passages through which air is drawn into the water; substantially as described.

a. A hydraulic air-compressor consisting of a stand-pipe or conductor through which water descends under pressure due to gravitation, and means for restraining the [low of the water at or near the lower level through which it moves; .a float adapted to move with the surface of the water at the upper end of the stand-pipe and support tubes or passages through which air is drawn by the descending movement of the water; and an air-collector placed at or near the lower level through which the water descends; substantially as set forth.

5. A hydraulic air-compressor, consisting of a stand-pipe, forming a continuous and uninterrupted passage, through which water can flow from a higher to a lower level, with means for producing a back pressure, to the water within the stand-pipe; means at the upper extreme of the stand-pipe for causing the descending water to draw into it, its complement of air; a pipe, or passage, leading to the stand-pipe at a level between its upper and lower extreme; through which a sufficient amount of air, under pressure, can enter the descending water, to compensate for the shrinkage of the air descending from a higher level; or from the upper extreme of the staud-pipe; an air-collector placed at the lower extreme of the stand-pipe, and an airpipe, for conducting compressed air from the collector; substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

6. The combination of two or more hydraulic air-compressors, forming a contributing and final compressor; each having a standpipe, forminga continuous and uninterrupted passage for the flow of water from a higher to a lower level; each stand-pipe being provided with means for producing a back presto the lowest level below that of its tail-race its uninterrupted passage; each stand-pipe sure, to the water while descending it, and 1 means at their upper extremes for causing the descending Water to draw air in with it, and carry the same down with it, through being provided at its lower extreme with an air-collector, for separating the air from the Water; the contributing compressor, or compressors, having an air-pipe, leading from their air-collectors, to the stand-pipe of the final compressor, at the lowest level at which the air, owing to its pressure, can freely enter the Water and air descending the standpipe of the final compressor; and an air-pipe leading from the collector of the final compressor, through which the air drawn in, and compressed by the contributing and final compressor, is conducted away for use; substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

7. The combination of two or more air-compressors as described, consisting of one or more compressors, used for contributing air to a final compressor; by means of an air pipe, or pipes, leading from the collector of the contributing compressor, or compressors, to the stand-pipe of the final compressor; whereby sufficient air is introduced into the water and air descending the final compressor, to compensate for the contraction of the air carried down by such water; and approximately maintain a constant volume of air in such water, during all parts of its descent; substantially as described and for the purposes set forth.

8. The combination of a series of t we or more air-compressors; each separate compressor, having a stand-pipe, through which water has an unobstructed fiow, from its head down and into a well or passage, leading up to its tail-race; each stand-pipe being provided at its upper extreme, with means for causing the descending water to draw in air and carry the same down with it; and at its lower extreme,with an air-collector, for separating the air from the water; and each compressor havin g an air-pipe, leading from its air-collector to the stand-pipe of another compressor; at the lowest level at which the air will enter; allbeing constructed in the order whereby air from the compressor having the least compressing force, will have its compressed air conducted to the stand-pipe of another compressor, having the next higher compressing force, from where its air together with the air from the first compressor, will in a like manner be conducted to a third compressor, and so on; until the air collected by all of the compressors, is conducted to a final one, whereby it is further compressed and conducted therefrom for use; substantially as described and for the purposes set forth.

9. The combination of a plurality of hydraulic air-compressors, each having a passage through which water flows, at or near a uniform speed, from a penstock, or source of supply down to a lower level; and then upward to a tail-race, or place of discharge; the upper extreme of each passage. being provided with means for causing the descending water, to draw in air, and carry it down with the water; and the lower extreme, or level of each passage, being provided with an air-collector; adapted for separating the air from the water, and holding it, under pressure; with air-pipes successively connecting the aircollector of one compressor, to the passage of another compressor, through which water and air descend; whereby the air from each compressor, will enter a succeeding compressor, under the greatest pressure at which it can enter, and to an extent in volume which will compensate for the contraction of the air being carried down each compressor; and whereby the air drawn in by all of the compressors, will be collected by and conducted from a final compressor; substantially as described.

10. In a hydraulic air-compressor; consisting of a stand-pipe, or conductor; through which a mixture of water and air can have an uninterrupted passage, from a source of supply at which water enters, and draws air in with it, to the lower extreme of the standpipe, where it is provided with an air-collector, adapted for separating the air from the water, and retaining the air under pressure, while the Water passes through and upward, to a higher level, at which it is discharged into a tail-race; in combination with an airpipe, leading from the air-collector, through which the air is conducted, under pressure; to where it is used for performing work, and from which work, it is returned, under a reduced pressure, through one or more pipes, leading from such work, to the stand-pipe, at the lowest level, or levels, at which the returning air can; owing to the pressure under which it returns, enter with the water and air descending the stand-pipe; substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

11. In a hydraulic air-compressor, having an air-collector, for separating the air from the water; placed at the lower extreme of a stand-pipe; a riffle-cup, placed within and concentric to the collector, and formed with a closed bottom; located below the lower extreme of the stand-pipe; with cylindrical sides, of greater diameter than the stand-pipe, and extending above its lower extreme; substantially as described.

ADDISON G. WATERHOUSE.

Witnesses:

W. S. WATSON, FRANK W. HARRIsoN. 

